Bhagavad Gita 9.23 — Worship of Other Deities with Faith Also Reaches the Supreme, Though Not by the Proper Method
येऽप्यन्यदेवता भक्ता यजन्ते श्रद्धयान्विताः ।
तेऽपि मामेव कौन्तेय यजन्त्यविधिपूर्वकम् ॥ ९.२३ ॥
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Even those devotees who worship other deities with faith, O son of Kunti, worship Me alone, though in a way that is not according to the proper method.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| ye | those who |
| api | even |
| anya-devatā-bhaktāḥ | devotees of other deities |
| yajante | worship |
| śhraddhayā-anvitāḥ | endowed with faith |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| te | they |
| api | also |
| mām | Me |
| eva | alone |
| kaunteya | O son of Kunti |
| yajanti | worship |
| avidhi-pūrvakam | in a wrong way, not by the proper method |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| ye | those who | te | they |
| api | even | api | also |
| anya-devatā-bhaktāḥ | devotees of other deities | mām | Me |
| yajante | worship | eva | alone |
| śhraddhayā-anvitāḥ | endowed with faith | kaunteya | O son of Kunti |
| yajanti | worship | ||
| avidhi-pūrvakam | in a wrong way, not by the proper method | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now addresses worshippers of other deities. In this verse, He explains that those who sincerely worship other gods with faith are in truth worshipping Him alone, though their worship is not done in the proper way that leads to liberation.
Essence
All Worship Ultimately Reaches the One
Having spoken of the exclusive devotees, the Lord does not dismiss everyone else. His answer is both inclusive and precise. It affirms the sincerity of other forms of worship while pointing out where they fall short.
Ye 'py anya-devatā-bhaktāḥ (those who are devotees of other deities): The Gita acknowledges the existence of many forms of worship in the world. People approach the Divine through different names, forms and traditions, in keeping with their temperament and understanding.
Yajante śraddhayānvitāḥ (who worship with faith): The Lord notes their śraddhā, which is the quality that makes any worship meaningful. He does not mock or condemn sincere faith. Respect for their sincerity is clearly implied.
Te 'pi mām eva kaunteya yajanti (they too worship Me alone, O son of Kuntī): The deities are not independent powers separate from the Supreme. They are expressions of His one power, so whoever honors any of them with sincerity is, in truth, offering worship that ultimately belongs to the Lord. Just as water poured at the root nourishes the whole tree, worship offered to the Supreme nourishes all.
Avidhi-pūrvakam (not according to the proper method): This is the important qualification. Their worship is avidhi-pūrvaka because they do not recognize the one source behind the many. They approach in a partial way, often seeking limited results, and so do not obtain the highest fruit of liberation.
The verse thus combines generosity with clarity. It honors sincere seekers everywhere, yet it points toward the fuller understanding that the One Supreme is the real object of all worship.
Message for Everyday Life (Sincerity With Understanding)
Respect others' faith, and deepen your own understanding: We live in a world of many religious and spiritual traditions. Contempt for other paths creates conflict, while shallow practice without understanding creates stagnation.
Practical approach: Treat sincere believers of every tradition with courtesy. At the same time, study your own path more deeply so that your worship is thoughtful and not merely habitual. Ask what you are really seeking through your practice and whether it leads you toward lasting peace.
All Worship Ultimately Reaches the One
Having spoken of the exclusive devotees, the Lord does not dismiss everyone else. His answer is both inclusive and precise. It affirms the sincerity of other forms of worship while pointing out where they fall short.
Ye 'py anya-devatā-bhaktāḥ (those who are devotees of other deities): The Gita acknowledges the existence of many forms of worship in the world. People approach the Divine through different names, forms and traditions, in keeping with their temperament and understanding.
Yajante śraddhayānvitāḥ (who worship with faith): The Lord notes their śraddhā, which is the quality that makes any worship meaningful. He does not mock or condemn sincere faith. Respect for their sincerity is clearly implied.
Te 'pi mām eva kaunteya yajanti (they too worship Me alone, O son of Kuntī): The deities are not independent powers separate from the Supreme. They are expressions of His one power, so whoever honors any of them with sincerity is, in truth, offering worship that ultimately belongs to the Lord. Just as water poured at the root nourishes the whole tree, worship offered to the Supreme nourishes all.
Avidhi-pūrvakam (not according to the proper method): This is the important qualification. Their worship is avidhi-pūrvaka because they do not recognize the one source behind the many. They approach in a partial way, often seeking limited results, and so do not obtain the highest fruit of liberation.
The verse thus combines generosity with clarity. It honors sincere seekers everywhere, yet it points toward the fuller understanding that the One Supreme is the real object of all worship.
Message for Everyday Life (Sincerity With Understanding)
Respect others' faith, and deepen your own understanding: We live in a world of many religious and spiritual traditions. Contempt for other paths creates conflict, while shallow practice without understanding creates stagnation.
Practical approach: Treat sincere believers of every tradition with courtesy. At the same time, study your own path more deeply so that your worship is thoughtful and not merely habitual. Ask what you are really seeking through your practice and whether it leads you toward lasting peace.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has explained that those who worship other deities with faith are in fact worshipping Him, though without proper understanding. He now explains why this partial understanding limits their destiny, declaring that He alone is the enjoyer and Lord of all sacrifices, and that those who fail to recognize this truth fall back into the cycle of birth and death.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Sincere prayer is never lost.
All rivers reach the same sea.
Know to whom you pray.
Honor faith in every form.
Wisdom refines worship.
Behind many names stands one Reality.
The heart's faith is heard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'anya-devatā-bhaktāḥ' (devotees of other deities) mean?
Why does Krishna say they worship 'mām eva' (Me alone)?
What does 'avidhi-pūrvakam' (not by the proper method) mean?
Does this verse criticize the worship of other deities?
What is the practical message of this verse?
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